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27 February 2024Walker - your daily companion
At any age, people should be able to move about and freely. However, as we age, the first problems appear. A walker supports you in your daily life and gives you confidence in all your movements and activities.
Table of contents
- What is a walker?
- Who is it for?
- What are the differences between the different types of walkers?
- How do I choose the right walker?
- What are the different types of walkers?
- Conclusion
Mobility and freedom everyday
What is a walker?
A walker is a walking aid with 3 or 4 wheels and brakes. It is the ideal companion for people who have difficulty walking and/or who tire quickly. It facilitates daily life by minimizing the risk of falling and by simplifying movement. It provides support and stability. It can be used both indoors and outdoors.
Who is it for?
A walker is suitable for people who have lost their mobility temporarily or permanently. This may be due to an accident, illness, a fall or rehabilitation. It is also much more stable than a simple cane or crutches. As many walkers offer the possibility of resting when walking for longer periods of time, they help us in our daily lives.
What is the difference between a walking frame and a walker?
A walking frame is best suited for short distances because you must lift it to move forward. It allows you to stand up and move around safely. It maintains your balance while you move around and thus provides mobility assistance. It is very safe because the frame surrounds you and has no wheels to prevent slipping.
The rollator helps you to move effortlessly while being stable. It has 3 or 4 wheels and is suitable for different needs. It is mainly intended for outdoor use, but it is of course possible to use it indoors as long as there is enough space to turn and rotate it. It is designed for people who tire quickly or who wish to move around on their own outside their home. It is often equipped with a seat for resting and a basket for shopping.
How do I choose the right walker for me ?
When choosing a walker, the first thing to consider is your lifestyle. If you're someone who likes to spend time outdoors and sometimes walks in the park, for example, you'll need a rollator with well-profiled tires. If you're more of an indoor person, a rollator with regular tires will suffice. There are also a few choices to consider: handle height, weight, accessories, brakes and width and convenience. It is always best to visit a store to see the different models and try them out before making a decision.
Width: If you want to use it indoors, you need to make sure that the walker fits through the door frame of your home.
Folding: A rollator that folds saves a lot of space in the house and car and makes it easier to transport.
The weight that the rollator can support: before buying a rollator with a seat, you should check how many kilos the rollator can support.
The height of the handles: the right height of the handles is very important. They can vary by a few centimeters. Make sure that the handle is at wrist bending height. If the handles are too low, there is a risk of bending over, which can lead to back pain.
Wheel size: large wheels are better suited for outdoor use, especially on rough roads. Smaller wheels are more suitable for indoor use.
What are the different types of walkers?
- Standard
They are usually made of aluminum or steel tubing. However, they cannot be folded. They are simple, sturdy companions that are usually equipped with a shopping basket and a cane holder. However, conventional walkers are usually quite heavy, often weighing more than 10 kg.
Rollator Pliant ROAD
- Lightweight
Lightweight rollators are made of aluminum or carbon. Unlike standard rollators, they are much lighter. Their weight is usually between 5.5 and 7 kg. This makes it possible to travel longer distances and to push easily. They also convince by their flexibility and stability. Lightweight rollators can be folded and transported easily. The equipment of lightweight rollators is usually modular.
Alevo
- Indoor
These are exclusively intended for indoor use. They serve to increase safety even inside the apartment. They are usually equipped with relatively small wheels and a shelf on which you can put a cup or even a meal.
Russka Wohnraumrollator
- Special
XXL walkers are designed to carry a particularly high load (usually over 200 kg). They are much wider. However, there are also some that are suitable for tall people. The handles can be placed higher and the necessary seating area has also been adapted. There are also walkers specially designed for children. They are adapted to their size and design. Walkers with one-handed brakes have been specially designed for people with stroke or arthritis. They take into account the unilateral limitation. In addition, they have forearm support, which provides better support.
Rollator GOLITE 200
Conclusion
Thanks to the diversity and numerous variants of equipment, almost everyone can find a walker suitable for their needs. The easiest way is to go to a store and be shown the different models. This is the best way to get an idea of which one is the most suitable. At Hospilux, we are happy to help you choose the right walker, contact us!
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